There are reps in the pool and reps outside the pool. A lot of times, both things go together.
Reps in the pool refer to repetitions, those daily laps and drills up and down the pool. Should a team get good enough with those and experience success in competition, a reputation for excellence normally follows.
The AU men's swimming team helped its reputation and its resume on Sunday (Dec. 16) at Messerly Natatorium, knocking off Division I Wright State, 117-113. The Ashland women lost to Wright State, 142-99.
This was not an easy week to be a swimmer. The majority of the AU student body left campus during the middle of the week after final exams. The swimmers found themselves going through several more days of practice before they could close up shop. This season began in October and it's heading into those dog days where the conference and national meets are still down the road. To get there, a team must fight through this stretch of the season.
The Eagles appear to be well on their way to doing that. Junior Braxton Wright (Lexington, Ohio) enjoyed a banner afternoon, winning the 50 freestyle (21:15), the 100 freestyle (46.89) and contributing to the 400 free relay that claimed the gold medal (3:08.49). The Eagles took the top three spots in the 100 freestyle. Junior Hueston Holder (Brooklyn, Iowa/Brooklyn-Guernsey-Malcom) was the runner-up (48.40) and freshman Alex Mathews (Cary, N.C./Green Hope) was third (48.55).
Junior Alex Sheil (Sydney, Australia/Trinity) led the field in the 200 IM (1:56.36) and was part of the 200 medley relay that finished first (1:35.08). Senior Tyler Remmel (Hubertus, Wis./Hertford Union) was first in the 200 breaststroke (2:10.15) and was on the 200 medley. Senior Mauricio Uranga (Chihuahua, Mexico/La Salle Chihuahua) came home first in the 200 backstroke (1:54.00).
Sophomore Steve Moss (Youngstown, Ohio/Boardman) was on both relays.
Freshman Kaylyn Murphy (West Carrollton, Ohio) continued a fine rookie season by collecting gold medals in the 100 freestyle (52.26) and 200 freestyle (1:54.15). Murphy was part of the 400 free relay that placed first (3:34.72).
Senior Julie Widmann (Littleton, Colo./Heritage) won gold in the 50 freestyle (23.82) and was on two winning relays – the 400 free and the 200 medley (1:47.88). Junior Sara Reidler (Gahanna, Ohio/Gahanna Lincoln) and senior Rachael Ausdenmoore (Southlake, Texas/Carroll) were on both relays.
Junior Laurin McClure (Milford, Ohio) was first in the 200 butterfly (2:15.89).
The Eagles return to action on Jan. 2 when they visit Malone.
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SWIM/ALK